Semenggoh Wildlife Centre has become one of the most visited travel spots in Kuching for viewing semi-wild orang-utans. The location is so easily accessible, only about 24 km south of Kuching. It is also one of three orangutan sanctuaries in Malaysia where you can see semi-wild orang-utans in natural forest. By visiting Semenggoh, you will be indirectly supporting conservation efforts done by Sarawak Forestry while getting intimate and ethical wildlife viewing opportunities on the critically endangered species of orang-utans, more specifically the Bornean Orang-Utans (Pongo Pygmaeus).

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The Semenggoh Wildlife Centre was originally known as the Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre when it opened in the 1975 to rehabilitate injured, orphaned, and captive orang-utans. It is located in Semenggoh Nature Reserve. In 2000, the facility underwent a formal name change to Semenggoh Wildlife Centre because active rehabilitation and pre-release preparations had shifted to a nearby site (Matang Wildlife Centre). Semenggoh’s role is now focused on monitoring and supporting these semi-wild orangutans as they transition into the wild, with visitors gathering to watch the daily feedings instead. Today there are over twenty orang-utans living at Semenggoh and the forest reserve’s carrying capacity has been reached.

VISITING HOURS

Open daily (including public holidays) in two sessions:

Morning:  8:00 am -10:00 am

Evening:   2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

ENTRANCE FEES

Foreigner Adults: RM 10

Foreigner Children (6–17 years old): RM 5

Malaysian Adults: RM 5

Malaysian Children (6–17 years old): RM 2

Children under 6 years old: Free

(OPTIONAL) SHUTTLE BUGGY RIDE (back and fro the 1.6 km road into the feeding area)

Foreigners: RM 15

Malaysians: RM10

Children that do not take up a seat: Free

Note: If you have visited in the morning and wanting to revisit Semenggoh, you can still use the same ticket bought from the same date to re-enter the centre. Not applicable for buggy ride.

GETTING THERE

On your own transport: by taxi, Grab or bus

Note: Free electric bus 103 can take you from city to Semenggoh but you must take 6am (for morning session) and 12pm (for evening session) trip. You can check real-time bus movement from Kuching Metro app.

By booking tour package, no hassle of arranging transport on your own.

BEYOND SEMENGGOH

You can do more than just visiting orang-utan sanctuary when you are around this area. Consider spending your time doing other interesting things to do because there are many things that can do in Kuching other than being in the city itself. Below are few things to do to wrap up your day, since you already spend half a day away from city: –

1. Travel further south to visit Annah Rais Longhouse

   • It is one of the few still standing Bidayuh ethnic longhouse in Sarawak. You can get to enjoy cooling river water while you are here. You can also have lunch here, and if you plan early, having a special traditional food lunch would also be possible. Annah Rais Longhouse is located about 35 km south of Semenggoh.

2. Go for waterfall trekking

   • There are many different spots of waterfalls to choose from, you can make your choice depending on your fitness level and time that you can spend for the day. Some can be just half an hour trek, for example, Mabi Fall at Sadir Village. Some requires boat access like Curtain Waterfall and Susung Waterfall at Bengoh Valley. Some require trekking about 2 to 3 hours trekking like Tanju Fall at Kiding Village.

3. Visit village farms which features unique crops of Sarawak

   • Farms here are of manageable size of families of farmers who continue to work on their inherited land. Expect small size farm and multiple crops being put together. You may choose to visit  pepper farm or coffee farm, even paddy farm or fruit orchard (if the season is right).

4. Explore nearby caves

   • Discover natural formation of limestone caves at the nearby Bau suburban town area or further south of  Semenggoh, Padawan area. Consider taking the less traffic route from Semenggoh and you will get to see more breathtaking surrounding nature view as you travel to Wind Cave and Fairy Cave in Bau town, which is located about 40km away from Semenggoh.

5. Hunt for local food at nearby suburban town before heading back to city centre

   • Kota Padawan(10^th mile) and Kota Sentosa(7^th mile) can offer similar local treats, if you know what you are looking for. Get a guide to bring you around the little town, perhaps include a stop by wet market in case you get to see rare tropical Bornean fruits to try on, possible at right fruiting season.

There are many things which you can consider if you plan to visit Semenggoh, you can do more while enjoying pleasant time travelling away from the city – just choose according to your interest. For your information, Backyard Tour can also be your tour guide. Just click on the links above to see available packages or simply email us if you wish to customize your own travel plan. Surely you will be able to make more meaningful journey throughout the day appreciating Kuching city wholly.

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